I need to have research on accepted guidelines and criteria in how to
conduct a psychological evaluation for a custody case.  Included in
these guidelines would be the procedures that the psychologist would
follow, as well as specific qualifications or education that the
psychologists would be required to have.

Hi benfranklin:

Thanks for the interesting question. I have encapsulated my research
for you below.


Guidelines
**********

I have done some research for you in the "child custody evaluation"
area, and of the dozens of sites I've visited, by far the most
commonly referenced and accepted set of guidelines comes from the
American Psychological Association.

Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations in Divorce Proceedings 
URL: http://www.apa.org/practice/childcustody.html

This document is very detailed and contains an excellent references
section which can lead you to other related documents.


Other resources for guideline include:

Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations
URL: http://www.op.nysed.gov/psychcustodyguide.htm

Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners 
Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations 
URL: http://www.labswe.org/child.htm


Training
********

From my research, the amount of training that a psychologist is
required to have varies according to which state they are practicing
in. In California, for example, there is a requirement (Rule 5.225)
that requires a 20-hour training course before a psychologist can be
certified to perform child custody evaluations. (See the Psycho-Legal
Associates, Inc. course below.)

If you tell me what state you are in, I can look for further relevant
details.


I was able to find the following courses that either are being offered
soon or have just been offered (and are likely to be offered again).

APA Annual Conference, Toronto, August 7-10, 2003
Course: Sexual Abuse Allegations in Disputed Custody Cases: Clinical
and Forensic Considerations
URL: http://www.apa.org/ce/workshop03.html (3/4 down page)
Course: Child Custody Evaluations -- Important Topics for the
Experienced Evaluators
URL: http://www.apa.org/ce/workshop03.html (4/5 down page)

Specialized Training Services
Course: Conducting Child Custody Evaluations & Studies: Current
Issues, Controversies and Solutions
URL: http://www.specializedtraining.com/events/ccce.htm

Family Violence and Sexual Assault Institute
Course: CONDUCTING CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF
THE CHILD: TECHNIQUES, NEW LEGAL & ETHICAL REQUIREMENTS, & CHILD
SEXUAL ABUSE ISSUES
URL: http://www.fvsai.org/FVSAI_upcomingtraining.htm

Psycho-Legal Associates, Inc.
Course: 20-Hour Child Custody Training for Rule 5.225 (formerly Rule
1257.4)
URL: http://members.aol.com/psylegal/livecourses/childcustody.html


Other Resources/Books
*********************

The Scientific Basis of Child Custody Decisions
Author: Robert M. Galatzer-Levy (Editor), Louis Kraus (Editor)
URL: http://www.wileyeurope.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0471174785.html

Conducting Scientifically Crafted Child Custody Evaluations
Author: Jonathan W. Gould 
URL: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0761911014/002-9955588-1011255?vi=glance

Conducting Child Custody Evaluations : A Comprehensive Guide
Author: Phillip M. Stahl
URL: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0803948204/002-9955588-1011255


I hope this information helps with your research.   
                            
If you need any clarification of the information I have provided, 
please ask using the clarification feature and provide me with 
additional details as to what you are looking for. As well, please
allow me to provide you with clarification(s) *before* you rate this
answer.
                            
Thank you.                             
                            
websearcher-ga                             
                                              
     
Search Strategy (on Google):    

"child custody evaluations" requirements 
"child custody evaluations" training 
"child custody evaluations" guidelines
"child custody evaluations" 
"psychological evaluation" custody guidelines

---

Request for Answer Clarification by benfranklin-ga on 12 Jun 2003 13:57 PDT

Thanks for your answer.  The only clarification I need is this:  What
guidelines have you found for Pennsylvania regarding the evaluations
and training required?

THanks!

---

Clarification of Answer by websearcher-ga on 12 Jun 2003 17:38 PDT

Hi benfranklin:

Thanks for the clarification request. 

I wasn't able to find out a lot of information as refers to child
custody evaluations and the state of Pennsylvania. What I was able to
find is below.


Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship - Family Court of Allegheny County
URL: http://www.wpic.pitt.edu/education/forensic_fellowship_details.htm
Quote: "The objective of the family court rotation is to provide the
fellows with experience in the assessment of child abuse and
evaluation for the termination of parental rights as well as child
custody evaluations."

Pennsylvania: Child Custody: 
URL: http://www.divorcesource.com/PA/info/childcustody.shtml
Note: This site covers a gerat deal of ground. Have a close look. 

2002 History of Dr. Stahl's Teaching and Professional Continued
Education Training
URL: http://www.parentingafterdivorce.com/training/CE.html
Quote: Aug., 2002, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "Conducting Child
Custody Evaluations: From Basics to Advanced Issues". Trained 44
psychologists, social workers, and others on various issues related to
child custody evaluations."

There is also probably a lot of relevant information available at the
Pennsylvania Psychological Association, but unfortunately you need to
be a member to access it.

PPA
http://www.papsy.org/

Hope this helps!

websearcher-ga

THanks!